Walking a dog is a common activity that both the pet and the owner enjoy. This is the way it should be if it is a socialized dog trained to obey the basic commands of its owner.
It is understood that the dog is on the appropriate leash.
More fun walking activities are provided in specially fenced dog parks where it is possible to let the pet off the leash and allow him to run and play with other dogs in the dog.
Sometimes, unfortunately, one dog attacks another. If you have two dogs in the house, you know how to separate them in the event of a conflict, but an attack on the street or park puts you in a completely different situation.
It’s not easy to discern why a dog suddenly attacks your dog.
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Body language can be extremely subtle and people holding their dog on a leash can easily miss and not notice the signals of both dogs.
Whatever caused the conflict does not matter at all in the situation in which you need to end the fight.
Of course, it is best to avoid situations like this, but when they do, your involvement in the conflict can be dangerous for both humans and dogs.
Some of these tips will be quite drastic and radical, but let’s understand that dog conflicts and injuries to one another can be very dangerous, and owners in these situations are often collateral damage.
Therefore, it is not a bad thing to think and prepare in advance, especially if we know that there are street dogs or proprietors in the neighborhood we walk around, who are not overly sociable or aggressive.
Wooden stick
Some experts recommend that you carry a stronger wooden stick during your walk – no harm should be done.
Use it on the dog that attacked your dog. To me personally, this solution is not acceptable. My task in such situations is to protect my dog, but my goal is not to hurt another.
Likewise, many dogs will interpret the rod we carry as a threat, so their aggressiveness will be heightened. Eventually, a wooden stick can serve to separate already conflicting dogs and not to use their own hands to separate them.
Let go of the leash
Other experts recommend that if an unknown dog attacks your dog that is on the leash, simply release the leash.
And this is quite problematic advice as there are two scenarios in that case and neither is very promising. One is to get into a fight that can lead to serious injury, and the other is to start scared away.
Where they will escape is another question. It can also be a street full of moving vehicles or other dangerous spaces.
So, it seems like there is no ideal solution to these situations and you have to put a lot of thought into it.
The dog considers you the leader of the pack
Your dog considers you the leader of the pack to which it belongs. This means that, among other things, it also expects you to protect it from danger.
Realistically, that is your responsibility. As a leader, you should be constantly alert to all sorts of situations when walking. Do not relax while walking.
Practical dog protection tips
Blanket
If you are in an environment where there are street dogs, or dogs that are somewhat more aggressive (owners are happy to share this type of information) or you are in a completely unknown area, you can carry accessories.
Bring a smaller backpack to carry a larger towel or blanket. In the event of an attack, use it by placing it between your dog and the attacker. You can also wrap it around your arm to protect it from being bitten.
Pepper spray
Bring pepper spray with you, but be careful with its use. Use pepper spray directly into the eye and muzzle of the attacker and be careful not to spray it too much so that you do not inhale it.
Don’t hesitate to use pepper spray on your dog as well to stop the fight.
Siren on compressed air
Something that is not so aggressive a self-defense tool is a siren on compressed air.
The sound it produces will scare the attacker and he will retreat before a confrontation occurs.
Flashligh
A powerful light source from a flashlight pointing directly into your eyes can also be an effective deterrent.
Preventive Behavior – Warning Signals
The best defense against attacking another dog is to prevent the attack from happening at all. Watch the dog coming to meet you. Try reading his body language.
Look into his eyes and determine if they are focused on your dog.
If the ears are flattened against the head, the fur on the garden and the back of the back is sharpened and has a generally rigid attitude, be careful.
If it is heading in the direction of your dog, stand in front of your pet and have his voice stop.
You can use the words “no”, “stop” or “run”.
If you can make him pull away, slowly back away but do not turn his back.
It is very important to keep your dog as calm as possible because of his nervousness, fear or struggles can provoke a continued attack.
Understanding dog behavior may be the best weapon in situations where another dog attacks yours.
Unfortunately, there is no simple and universal solution to these situations.
You have to be calm but always careful. Think for yourself about how you and your dog will behave in this situation. Based on all the above, make your own conclusions and prepare yourself.
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I often make sure I know other’s walking schedules. However, I carry my water spray/squirt bottle….just in case. If I see a dog approach towards me… I immediately cross the street. I let the owner know it is for safety sake and I continue to walk but a little bit faster to stay safe.
Marci, thanks for the comment.